My thoughts on Adolescence - and what it says about our boys.

Like many of you, I recently watched the hit Netflix series Adolescence - a show that has sparked huge conversations online for its raw portrayal of teenage boys navigating peer pressure, identity, and belonging.

Some viewers were shocked. Others saw it as a mirror reflecting a painful truth we’ve been avoiding: many boys today are lost. They’re unsure of who they’re supposed to be. They’re trying to make sense of masculinity in a culture that often shames it or strips it down to outdated clichés.

As the father of two boys - and the author of Your Strength Within - this show hit me hard. And I believe we’re at a cultural crossroads.

When society fails to provide boys with clear guidance and strong role models, they go looking elsewhere. And far too often, they find themselves drawn to extremist online voices that preach distorted versions of masculinity - versions rooted in dominance, anger, and control.

We can’t afford to stay silent.

As a society (whether we’re parents, carers, mentors, teachers, or coaches) we have a responsibility to help boys find their masculinity, not fear it. When they get it wrong (and they will), we shouldn't label them as toxic or tell them to suppress who they are. We should guide them, challenge them, and course-correct with love and clarity.

Research shows that when boys are supported in expressing their masculinity in healthy ways, they’re far less likely to turn to the wrong people online for answers. Why? Because they don’t need to.

They’ve already seen what strength paired with humility looks like. They’ve felt what real respect feels like. And they’ve been given clear, fair feedback when they’ve crossed a line.

"If we don’t teach boys how to wield their strength wisely, someone else will teach them to wield it recklessly."

Let’s not leave that to chance.

If you haven’t yet, I invite you to check out Your Strength Within. It’s not just a book, it’s a tool. It’s 21 short (and very easy to read) chapters, each focused on a principle for building strong, respectful, resilient young men. Each chapter includes journal prompts and reflection space to help turn ideas into action.

📘 Available now in paperback and ebook on Amazon: 👉 https://mybook.to/IaVU9

And if this message resonates with you, please forward it to someone who’s raising boys, or trying to support them.

Thanks again for all your support.

— Cam